Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Undergraduate Dental Students Towards Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Dentistry

Abstract

Background: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the dental field is an emerging concept worldwide, but it remains unexplored in Pakistan and there is very limited data that offers insight of dental students towards AI/R in dentistry in KCD, Peshawar.

Objective: To determine undergraduate dental students’ knowledge, attitude, and perception about the implementation of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Dentistry.

Methodology: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using non-probability convenience sampling in undergraduate dental students from 1^st to final year BDS studying in Khyber college of Dentistry, Peshawar from September 2023 to February 2024. Pre-validated questionnaires were distributed among the students. Chi square test was used for association, using R programming.

Result: Out of 134 participants included in the final analysis, a substantial proportion of respondents exhibited good knowledge (n = 92, 68.66%) and perception (n = 98, 73.13%), while a fair attitude was observed among many respondents (n = 58, 43.28%). The mean scores for knowledge, perception, and attitude were 10.40 ± 2.57, 11.97 ± 2.45, and 12.64 ± 4.48, respectively. Statistically significant association was observed for knowledge (p = 0.023), whereas no significant associations were found for attitude (p = 0.105) or perception (p = 0.077). A majority of the participants, 108 (80.6%), expressed interest in learning about Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in the future.

Conclusion: Most of the participants were unaware with Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. As it may increase the effectiveness and efficiency of dental treatment therefore there is significant need in the near future to increase awareness of this concept to maximize its benefits in Dentistry.